GM crops 'lead to surge in weedkiller use'

Green campaigners have launched a new attack on GM crops, claiming they have led to an explosion in the use of environmentally-damaging weedkillers.

They have also rejected claims from the biotech industry that GM farming has increased yields and could be the answer to world hunger.

GM plants are modified to be resistant to patented weedkillers such as RoundUp Ready, made by the U.S. biotech firm Monsanto.

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Farmers feel able to use large quantities of these chemicals because they are confident they will wipe out weeds without harming the crop. Conventional farmers use such weedkillers more carefully.

Friends of the Earth says official studies show a 15-fold increase in the use of RoundUp in the U.S. and an 80 per cent rise in Brazil. British research has shown that heavy pesticide use linked to GM farming effectively sterilises the countryside, wiping out weeds, insects and bird life.

The Green groups' report - Who Benefits from GM? - also says some increases in crop yield are due to changed farming methods, particularly the greater use of irrigation.

The report coincides with new figures from the biotech industry showing a significant increase in the worldwide land area devoted to GM crops, mainly soya, maize and cotton.